Miami Marlins Star Player Jazz Chisholm's Got Game

By Cooper Albers | July 26, 2023



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Jazz Chisholm decked out in bling and chic shades PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS
Jazz Chisholm decked out in bling and chic shades PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

In just four seasons, Miami Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm has solidified himself as one of the brightest stars in Major League Baseball. The 25-year-old’s vibrant combination of highlight plays, flashy on-field accessories and a patented Euro-step home run celebration has earned him a one-way ticket to the top and opened the door to a world of possibilities.

This season, the MLB introduced a series of rule changes that reshaped baseball. Including a pitch clock, shifting regulations and larger bases, the rules have made games much quicker and have warranted quite the learning curve. Chisholm has embraced the changes, joking that having time to get dinner after games is nice.

In a year of adjustments, he has welcomed even more of a challenge by opting to switch positions from second base to center field. In the outfield, he has showcased his distinct combination of defense and speed in a brand-new light.

“I felt we needed an elite center fielder and that I could be that guy. I just went to my manager and told him that I could do it if he needed one. He knew I could do the job, so I went and did it.”

Earlier this year, Chisholm was named the cover athlete for MLB The Show 23. A gamer at heart, he expressed his gratitude for being on the cover of a game he grew up playing while boasting his stacked Diamond Dynasty lineup, including himself and Ken Griffey Jr.

“Every kid dreams of being on the cover of a video game, especially in the sport they play. Back then, all the guys wanted to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated and Baseball America. That’s basically it now. Video game covers are the new thing, so it’s just sick to be on the cover.”

“EVERY KID DREAMS OF BEING ON THE COVER OF A VIDEO GAME, ESPECIALLY IN THE SPORT THEY PLAY. BACK THEN, ALL THE GUYS WANTED TO BE ON THE COVER OF SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AND BASEBALL AMERICA. THAT’S BASICALLY IT NOW. VIDEO GAME COVERS ARE THE NEW THING, SO IT’S JUST SICK TO BE ON THE COVER.” –JAZZ CHISHOLM


Chisholm is the first Bahamian-born athlete signed with Jordan. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS
Chisholm is the first Bahamian-born athlete signed with Jordan. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

Mere months aft er the announcement of The Show, Chisholm publicized his brand-new endorsement deal with Jordan Brand. On top of becoming one of just five MLB players signed, Chisholm marks the first Bahamian-born athlete signed under the Jordan umbrella.

Already rocking cleated versions of the Jordan 1, Chisholm looks forward to the deal by bringing more iconic Jordan silhouettes to the field.

“I’ve always wanted to sign with Jordan. When I was younger, I had the experience of meeting him at this celebrity soft ball game. I asked him for his autograph, and he said no. It was like, ‘Make me want your autograph one day.’ I was determined to get a Jordan deal so I could tell him that story.”


Chisholm at the World Series game between the Phillies and Astros in October 2022 PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS
Chisholm at the World Series game between the Phillies and Astros in October 2022 PHOTO: COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

With everything going on, Chisholm emphasized the importance of staying true to himself while skyrocketing into stardom. He expressed the initial difficulties of being a one-of-one personality in such a tradition-dominated game but described how that has changed over time.

“It gets better over the years. At first, nobody really accepts it. Everybody likes old school, and nobody wants to change. But, as they see the young kids start to love it, they realize it helps the game grow more and more. Just be yourself because everybody starts to accept you aft er three, four or five years of you just being yourself instead of them thinking it’s an act.”


Batting against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in May. PHOTO: BY NUCCIO DINUZZO/GETT Y IMAGES
Batting against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in May. PHOTO: BY NUCCIO DINUZZO/GETTY IMAGES

Chisholm expressed his excitement for the Miami Marlins this season despite what their early record may show. He applauded the squad’s ability to stay around the .500 mark in a talented NL East Division while they continue to find their stride. He looks forward to the postseason and encourages viewers to refrain from counting out a World Series push from the boys in Vice City.


Chisholm at the Roc Nation offices in January 2022 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS
Chisholm at the Roc Nation offices in January 2022 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS

Photography by: COURTESY OF ROC NATION SPORTS; NUCCIO DINUZZO/GETTY IMAGES